HAZARDOUS AREAS


HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL STORAGE: COMMON FAILURES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM


S


toring hazardous chemicals safely is a routine responsibility in many workplaces, but inspections and storage audits continue to reveal the same recurring problems.


STORING INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS TOGETHER One of the most serious storage failures is placing incompatible substances in the same cabinet or storage area. Certain chemicals react violently if they come into contact, producing heat, toxic gases, fires, or explosions. For example, storing acids near bases or oxidisers next to flammable liquids creates a clear hazard. Even a minor leak or spill can trigger a dangerous reaction. Chemical storage should always be organised by compatibility group, not simply by convenience or available space. Dedicated cabinets for flammables, corrosives, acids, and oxidisers reduce the risk of accidental mixing. This issue is also frequently identified in external chemical stores where space constraints or poor stock management result in incompatible materials being stored together.


UNSUITABLE CABINETS FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Another common issue is the use of general- purpose cupboards, shelving units, or tool cabinets to store hazardous chemicals. These types of storage units provide little


protection against fire, leaks, or chemical vapours. In the event of a fire, flammable liquids stored in unsuitable cabinets can accelerate flame spread and increase the fire load within the workspace.


Best practice is to use fire-rated cabinets tested to EN 14470-1 for flammable liquid storage.


These cabinets typically incorporate: 30, 60, or 90 minutes fire resistance Automatic door closing during fire Integrated spill containment sumps Ventilation connection points Thermal fuses and self-closing vents


Using certified cabinets helps organisations comply with regulatory requirements such as DSEAR while improving fire protection within the workplace.


VAPOUR BUILD-UP IN INTERNAL STORES Internal chemical cabinets usually store products that are already in use. As a result, containers may have been opened and their original manufacturer seals broken, allowing vapours to escape and accumulate within the cabinet. When the cabinet door is opened,


10 WINTER/SPRING 2026 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


Mike Brodie, managing director of Chemstore UK, outlines some of the most common chemical storage mistakes identified during site inspections and how organisations can reduce the risks.


these vapours can be released directly into the user’s breathing zone.


In the case of flammable vapours, inadequate extraction can create a significant hazard. When cabinet doors are opened, any accumulated vapours may escape and form a temporary ATEX zone. As a result, care must be taken to ensure that any nearby electrical equipment is suitably rated and that no ignition sources, such as hot work, are present in the area.


To control this risk, internal cabinets should ideally be connected to an extraction system vented safely to atmosphere, similar to a laboratory fume cupboard or if this is not possible standalone activated carbon filters. Many modern filtration systems incorporate traffic-light indicators that provide a clear visual signal when filters require replacement.


POOR VENTILATION AND EXTRACTION IN CHEMICAL


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